Wixutta, knowledge in the Emakwa language, is a knowledge centre in the Santo Antónioneighborhood, on the Island of Mozambique.

Wixutta – The practice of curiosity

Wixutta, knowledge in the Emakwa language, is a knowledge centre in the Santo Antónioneighborhood, on the Island of Mozambique. It’s an idea that blossomed from the heart, and the head, of Moira Forjaz during the two years she worked on her photography book Ilhéus, dedicated to the elderly of what was the country’s first capital. “I have always been fascinated by the island since my first trip in 1976. But this project took me to the heart, where people live. I understood better and decided that I wanted to lend a hand and help make a difference. There are schools, but there is no space where people of all ages can meet, take their rightful place in the world, through experience and understanding. ”

Wakaniwakani (little by little) the social company Wixutta was born. And when a centre like Wixutta is born, it’s beautiful. Because it is born from emotion, from the desire to do, to confront, to practice curiosity, to spread knowledge and wisdom. Without forgetting organic agriculture. Wixutta also has an agricultural field working as a “classroom”. How do you make a flower bed? How do you plant a tree? How do you sow? Children and adults are welcome. Practicing social distance due to COVID-19, the capacity is at 25 per slot, as well as to watch films and theatre plays, talking about the news, the environment, global warming, rights and duties, citizenship.

A centre born of humility – there are schools on the Island of Mozambique and Wixuttadoesn’t compete with anyone.It’s a place to enjoy the pleasure of being together, of listening to those who have the skill to speak and explain, and reflect in groups. It’s learning and teaching. It’s becoming moved by a film, a play, listening to tales of something that seemed impossible, finding and sharing solutions. And learn through music. With goodwill partners, Wixutta will take special people to the Island, musicians, actors, technicians… “We believe in the transmission of ideas and thoughts, through creative learning for adults and children. Our aim is to foster their will to learn.”

One of Wixutta’s first activities – after a beach cleaning session – was (in November) training in menstrual hygiene for 300 girls who received menstrual cups for their own use, to improve their daily lives and their future, because no girl should miss a day of school due to lack of menstrual hygiene products. The project was developed in synergy with the Cup&Go organization.

Wixutta is an open space, from the community to the community, working with volunteers and partners. It’s born out of joy, because spreading culture is part of life. Today’s islanders don’t want to be held hostage to exoticism and ideology. Knowledge cannot be under the shadow of political flags, because it breaks all social barriers. That is why all activities are free – culture is from everyone and to everyone. Without prejudice, to help reflect, with the right lightness. Wixutta is an open process, it’s a way to practice curiosity, on the Island of Mozambique.